Influence of Tetrodotoxin Inactivation of the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala on Sleep and Arousal

Abstract

Functional lesions of the amygdala, including the central nucleus of the amygdala, decreased REM sleep and reduced arousal, as indicated by shortened NREM latency and decreased activity in an arousing environment. These findings suggest that the amygdala plays a broad role in modulating spontaneous sleep and wakefulness and in modulating responsiveness in arousing situations.